Airforces - Typhoon school

Microwave Systems Erieye radar with a
360-degree scanning capability able to cover
over 280 miles (450km) of airspace. As well
as AEW&C, it is equipped with a powerful
electronic warfare suite with passive electronic
intelligence (ELINT) and communications
intelligence (COMINT) systems. Typically,
however, it is used for air surveillance, guiding
other aircraft towards suspicious flights.
A pair of EMB-145RS/AGS jets entered
FAM service in 2002. Although sometimes
classified as maritime surveillance aircraft,
it has been rumoured that they are closer in
terms of equipment to the EMB-145 Multi Intel
platform and are used for signals intelligence
(SIGINT) and communications monitoring.
Between 2015 and 2016 all three EMB-
145s underwent systems updates, including
the addition of SATCOM antennas, new
forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors
and multimode radar antennas.
According to the latest information provided
by Embraer, the EMB-145RS/AGS utilises
its sensors to create a ‘picture’ of the area
of operations. It combines FLIR, synthetic
aperture radar and a multi-spectral scanner
system (MSS) with day and night operational
capabilities. The aircraft can fly at 32,000ft
(9,754m), gathering a complete picture
of the signals and communications in the
target area, and transmitting this in real
time to command centres via SATCOM.

ISR King Airs
Four Fairchild C-26 Metroliners previously
dedicated to ELINT and communications
intelligence (COMINT) systems are currently
in an advanced state of withdrawal. They
are being replaced by the Beechcraft King
Air 350i/ER, modified for ISR tasks. The

FAM appears to have decided to dedicate

communications surveillance exclusively to

the Embraer and Cessna Citation fleets and

use other platforms, such as the King Air,

for (tactical) electro-optical surveillance.

The FAM began to acquire King Air 350i/ER

aircraft in 2014 and has received around seven

to date. Some of these are assigned to VIP

and transport services, but at least two have

been adapted for ISR by Integrated Surveillance

and Defense (ISD), based in Oregon. While

the equipment fit is fairly modest, the King Air

350ER offers a useful ten-hour endurance,

providing a range of 2,796 miles (4,500km).

While counter-narcotics operations are a major

focus, ISR platforms have other missions too.

The Mexican oil company PEMEX reached

an agreement with SEDENA and the FAM to

confront the problem of contraband fuel and

illegal extraction of gasoline from pipelines.

The Israeli company Bird Aerosystems

provided its Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence

and Observation (ASIO) system in four

components: surveillance aircraft, helicopters,

armoured mission control vehicles and a

liaison to a C2 centre – probably run by the

SIVA. In this way, SEDENA and FAM assets

are used to monitor the theft ‘hot spots’.

Two ASIO-equipped Cessna Citation

Eagle IIs were discreetly introduced by the

FAM in 2016. Although they haven’t been

officially acknowledged, the aircraft are

The FAM’s sole EMB-145AEW&C has been

progressively upgraded since its introduction.

Reports suggest that Saab hopes to sell a second

airborne Erieye radar to Mexico.

http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #361 APRIL 2018 // 57